Thursday, December 19, 2013

Pam Leven ... You Will Be Missed

Portrait of Pam May 2013 by Skye Moorhead

This is a place where people who loved Pam Leven may feel free to write a memory they have of her, a story, or to say goodbye to a good friend. Please share your thoughts by clicking on the "Comments" at the bottom of the tribute below. You need not be a cyclist to share a memory here. Please send photos of Pam that we can share to Chuck Bramwell at cbrams@caltriplecrown.com and to Roland Hoffman at roland@hoffmanplastic.com

Sadly, Pam had a bad accident while riding her bike on Sunday, December 15, 2013. On Tuesday, December 17, Hugh Murphy wrote: "Our friend Pam Leven, the President of the Los Angeles Wheelmen, is in need of our prayers. I just spoke with Kermit Ganier a few minutes ago. Kermit said she was involved in a cyclist/cyclist wreck last weekend. She has major head trauma. Things do not sound good. Please send lots of prayers and healing thoughts Pam's way."

Roland Hoffman wrote: "Oh NO! Pam and Kermit inspired me to do the quad in 2011. She will be included in our Hoffman family daily prayer towards a complete and speedy recovery. Love ya, Pam!!!!!!!"

On Wednesday, December 18, Roland wrote: "For those that may not know, LA Wheelmen's 2013 / 2014 President, Pam Leven was involved in a cycling incident last Sunday, December 15th, while riding the LA Wheelmen's "Newcomer's Ride" in the West LA / Brentwood area.I have just spoke with Kermit regarding the incident and Pam's current condition. As the group was making a safe and routine left turn from Sunset Blvd., she got tangled up with another experienced cyclist that was next to her within the group. They both went down onto the pavement. While the experienced rider has escaped serious injury, Pam is currently at UCLA Medical Center in critical condition with severe head trauma.Let's ALL hold our virtual hands in unity . . . as we send our healing prayers together in hopes our Lord brings his healing hand down onto Pam as we pray with all of our might towards Pam's most challenging moments of her life.Lord . . . . hear our prayers."

Beautiful collage by Renee Sands of Los Angeles Wheelmen

On Thursday, December 19, Kermit called Chuck. Sadly Pam was taken off life support at 2:15pm and she passed away at 3pm.

Pam Leven was an amazing woman and a friend to us all. She has been a major partner for Kermit allowing the LA Wheelmen to organize the Grand Tour and Dead of Winter Doubles so well for many years now."When someone dies, you don't 'get over it' by forgetting.You 'get over it' by remembering."Leslie MarmonLet's keep the memories of Pam alive for years to come here.Pam was a HUGE supporter and organizer of the Los Angeles Wheelmen's Grand Tour. Her California Triple Crown History Report can be found HERE.

Pam at her 40th High School Reunion

Roland wrote: "Calling our California Triple Crown "family" from near and far, we grasp our virtual hands in unity as the President of the LA Wheelmen Bicycle Club, Pam Leven has left us in passing at 3:00pm today at UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, CA.She was a dynamic leader with the LA Wheelmen as she would head and participate in many of the club's events, including the original double century in the country, the Grand Tour. She loved to be with her cycling "family" within the club, and throughout the cycling community.Pam is survived by her loving and supporting husband, Bob Geddes.As we hold our virtual hands together, we bow our heads in unity as we bless Pam - as she heads into the heavens where our Lord will await her arrival to praise her highly for her dedication, kindness, enthusiasm, and her shear attention to needs and support for us all here on Earth. Her mission on Earth is now complete.May peace be with you Pam, as you have been and continue to be loved by everyone that had the great pleasure of growing with you, learning with you, working with you, riding with you, and especially knowing you. May the tears from our eyes cleanse you during your "final ride" into the heavens as we praise your name from our hearts and soul . . . with tailwinds - always.RIP Pam~Roland HoffmanCalifornia Triple Crown History"

48 comments:

The Grand Double Century has always been my favorite and have always been amazed with the genorisity and amazing organization. Pam, you will be missed and may your great organization continue your great work.

I met Pam through the Independent Writers of Southern California group of which she was Treasurer. I could always count on a smile and some quick wit whenever I saw her. I will greatly miss her. My love to her family and friends for their loss.

I met Pam at IWOSC and from the first moment was impressed by her dedication and ability. She was always available to answer questions and help newcomers to the group. She will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers to the family for their sad loss.

Pam was quite a lady. She was petite and organized. I met her working a Grand Tour probably around 1:00 AM. She had the Port Hueneme Community Center running like clockwork. She was definitely in charge. I liked her immediately. Working with her on subsequent Grand Tours deepened the respect. We will all miss her.

Pam was a bright, talented, hard-working woman, kind, warm and friendly and full of life. I said prayers for her healing even against the high odds I was told she faced and now, I say them in her memory. Blessings upon you, Pam's spirit!

I should probably stop at that, but cannot help but go on to express amazement (along with some fear and dismay) that someone who was presumably well trained and equipped with the best safety gear could be so badly hurt in a routine biking accident. It causes one to wonder about the safety of biking generally, which would no doubt pain Pam deeply, but doesn't someone have to ask the question: How can one make the sport that so many more seem to be adopting a this time safe? Maybe the good that could come of this is some focus on that and how to avoid things like this in the future. The Pam Leven Safe Biking Research Foundation? Something similar?

I'm so sorry, I don't have words for this great loss, here is a quote from The Blessing of Bicycles:And when the living creatures went the wheels went by them; and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up.//for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.Ezekiel 1:19

The Los Angeles Wheelmen is filled with many experienced long distance riders. As evidenced by her riding the Newcomer Ride on the date of her accident, Pam particulaly understood that the club also needed newer members and that a rider not immediately becoming a "century rider" was ok. Her inclusive vision and her understaning was constant. She was a friend to all and such a positive force to the club. It is such a shock and I will certainly remember her as a kind and thoughtful cyclist and just a great person overall. I echo so much of the sentiment that has been expressed on the web site. Peace to you, Pam.

Skye Moorhead wrote: "I am so sad to hear of the tragic loss of this beautiful woman.Pam was just in the studio last may for a portrait.In the event you need or want her favorite shotI've attached it it color and b/w

I'm still in shock. Pam and I were buddies for nearly 30 years, since we met as journalists in L.A. I just visited with her in September on a trip she made to New York. We used to jog together and I knew of her love of cycling and the Wheelmen club. Deepest sympathy to husband Bob and Pam's family.

John Clare wrote: "There are getting to be way too many of these memorial pages Chuck Bramwell. I think it is a great tribute to our friends but I wish we did not have to have any of those. It is heartbreaking to see all the awesome people who are no longer with us. We all appreciate you putting them up though.

Tim Bartoe wrote: "Roland, thank you for providing the nice tribute to Pam. I only knew Pam from riding the Grand Tour. She was always so welcoming and so nice to everyone. She will be greatly missed by all."

Terri Boykins wrote: "This is a devastating loss for the cycling community and our L.A. Wheelmen club. An incredible ambassador for cycling; I understand the accident occurred during the "new riders" ride. Condolences to her family, friends, and all the cyclists who have benefitted from her work supporting recreational cycling."

Steve Saeedi wrote: "I'm terribly sorry for the cycling community in whole as we lose yet another one of our family. I'm especially saddened for her close friends and family as they cope with her passing."

Jennifer Koles wrote: "Thank you for posting. I am devastated and saddened by this tragedy. I will always remember Pam's wit and joyfulness. Recently we worked closely together and I can never thank her enough for the help and guidance she provided me over the past few months. And I will never forget the tears she wiped from my eyes."

Pam and I, along with the still much missed Steve Bowen, all came into the Wheelmen at about the same time and I considered them both my best friends within the club. I left while she was still the treasurer and for a while we kept up the habit of getting together for coffee and a chat but that tapered off after a few years. I'm a wreck about this. She was so unique, so bright, so capable, a true treasure to have known and I'm so proud to have called her a friend. My heart and best wishes go out as well to Rod, Kermit, Nancy D, the Wedeens et al. in their time of pain which must be greater than mine, and mine is considerable.

I worked with Pam at the Grand Tour,and saw her each time Jack & I came out to ride the Grand Tour, or work it... She had a wonderful spirit, and a great sense of humor--she will be sorely missed... Our deepest sympathies to her husband and family...Kathy & Jack Twitchell

So sad. I very much liked working with Pam planning the riding of the Grand Tour by our San Diego cyclists. Pam not only enjoyed her own cycling but she also enjoyed providing a very positive cycling experience for others.A true loss for the cycling community. Darryl MacKenzie

I'm still in shock having just read the news. I've volunteered with and worked for Pam at various cycling events, the latest being the The Grand Tour. I'm glad we went all out with the balloon arch and decorations - since it in hindsight it was her last. We talked a lot and laughed. I will miss her. She has left big shoes to fill that's for sure.

My heart is broken. It doesn't seem possible that this happened to Pam, it just doesn't make any sense! I took the picture of her and Kermit at the Secret Check-in when we worked together a couple years back and we had so much fun. Pam will always be remembered as being a very diligent and supportive person, offering her time to be sure both the riders and the volunteers were being taken of on the GT. We recently rode together on the "Couch Potato" ride out of Cerritos December 7th and she emailed me asking, "do they really start at 8 a.m.?" I will miss her smile, her quick wit, and her several emails asking me "where do you want to volunteer this year?" My sorrow goes out to all the LAW, Kermit, Rod, Nancy D, Renee, etc. who depended on Pam so much and of course Pam's husband and family. Pam spirit will be in the hearts of many and she will be greatly missed. We all loved her.

Pam was my first playmate and confidante at the Seattle P-I. She had a big, ready, welcoming spirit and a sense of adventure that was irresistible. We had so much fun together. What a woman!Mary Lynn Lyke

Fern Kissel wrote: "Chuck, I was so very sorry to hear of Pam's accident and passing. I met her a few times at the Grand Tour and she was one of those people that you just felt an instant connection with. I know that the LAW has lost an incredible friend and her passing has left a big hole in everyone's hearts and lives. What a shock this whole incident is & I can't imagine the pain her family & friends are going through. Pam was a very experienced cyclist and she certainly wasn't doing any daredevil descent.

Again, my heart goes out to you and everyone in Pam's life. Truly, a huge loss for the cycling community :-("

Linda Cammell wrote: "So Sorry to hear we have lost another Cyclist. I personally did not know her but I feel the pain. Wished I could of known her. Read a lot of the comments and she will truly be missed. I'm from the Redlands Cycle club and we will be praying for Pam's family at this time of need. Please be careful out there!"

John Grimble wrote: "What a wonderful lady. Although I never met Pam, my heart is just broken. I view all cyclists as my brothers and sisters. I am on the road so much( over 77,000 miles since Jan 2007, over 12,000 miles this year) I am sure our paths have crossed. May Pam's family and friends find comfort inknowing she was held in high regards by all."

Rodrigo DeZubiria wrote: "Incredibly tragic. Thank you for the information. My heart goes out to Pam her family and her entire community. No doubt she will be sorely missed. I hope she will live on through all of us. Sad note to end the year on."

I attended the LA Wheelmen holiday party on Sat,and many people showed up with a smile, but the missing link, Pam, was not there and I sensed the sadness in all who came. Too fast, too soon, too many question of spiritual reasoning for this death, I cant figure out what the meaning of life is and why senseless things happen. Just Horrible. My thoughts and wishes for a smooth healing go to Bob her wonderful husband.

I'm so sorry to hear about Pam's passing. She had such a great enthusiasm for everything---I met her in Provisors and she got me involved in IWOSC. At an Indian dinner party for Provisors, for example, she was the first to volunteer to get wrapped up in a Sari and sashay'ed around showing off her spectacular look. That was Pam. May we all continue her spark for life in all things we do.

Pam was always beaming. Photos of her are giddy, goofy and full of life. She had a happy, playful spirit that infected everything she did. A simple Sunday club ride was a little better, a little more fun, if Pam was on it.

That is why her death is so hard to comprehend. I do not associate Pam with sadness. And it is hard to believe that such a such a vibrant, lively person is no more.

We met Pam while supporting the Grand Tour in 2011. Our first impressions were a fabulous person with an incredible personality. In 2012 and 2013 we were unable to support the Grand Tour due to a hit & run on the bike resulting in serious injuries. We were looking forward in 2014 to supporting the Grand Tour and working with Pam again. Our condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family. She will not be forgotten...Mike & Robin, Scottsdale, AZ

I left a comment earlier, but had to agree with the recent poster who wrote, "it is hard to believe that such a such a vibrant, lively person is no more." I'm really having trouble adjusting to a world without Pam Leven in it. Dying like this - or at all, frankly - just didn't seem like something Pam could or would do.

I met Pam 2 years ago when I was in LA for my daughters wedding and was Blown Away by her warm hospitality. I merely inquired about area bike rides while I was in the valley and couldn't believe the "Welcome to LA, call me if you need anything" text I received upon landing in LAX. I rode with her and other wheelmen enjoying what the west coast had to offer cyclists and will forever carry a heavy heart whenever I think of the great experience I had riding with the "heart and soul" of the LA Wheelmen. I had hoped to meet up with her again and constantly brag about her to my club in NJ using her as an example of the impact a club or club member could have on a visitor to the area. Mike Krizauskas, Absecon, NJ Shore Cycle Club, Bicycle Club of Philadelphia.

Last year was my first year riding double centuries and the Grand Tour was my second double I had the pleasure of meeting Pam and she was so nice. It saddens me to hear of her passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to Pams family and also her cycling family. God Bles you Pam we will miss you!

I had no idea - just stopped by the LA Wheelmen web site prior to doing Grand Tour and saw this tragic news. I met Pam on more than one occasion when I was down for Grand Tour, and she always handled small snafus with grace and patience. A loss to her friends, family, and the cycling community. Condolences to all.

Ms. Leven was instrumental in helping my teenage son achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. He reached out to her for support from the LA Wheelmen. In addition to providing funds for his Eagle Scout project, a bike share program, she helped him write a proposal and power point presentation. She was so generous with her time and gift of writing. With Ms. Leven's guidance, My son was able to raise over $25,000 in funds and bicycle equipment for his project. His Eagle Court of Honor is next month and I wanted to send her an invitation. It is while I was searching the internet for her mailing address that I came across this tragic news. My condolences to Ms. Leven's family. It is with a very sad heart that I will share this news with my son.

I just now (October 6, 2015) learned that my old friend Pam, who was a fellow business journalist with me at the now defunct Seattle Post Intelligencer, had died almost 2 years ago. We had worked together in the early 1980s and I remember her clearly as the most vivacious person I had ever met. So genuine, so real, so warm and friendly and totally without guile. When you had the good fortune to meet Pam you knew you would be friends for life. Although we had not been in touch for years I knew when we did we would instantly pick up a conversation we left off, no matter how many months or years had passed. So I am greatly saddened at the knowledge she will no longer be there in Los Angeles when I visit almost 2 years after her death. I'm sure her many friends continue to grieve and now I am grieving with you over the memory of a truly wonderful person. --Bill Cushing, Seattle